The end of the year often brings an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. We are bombarded with lists of remarkable events from the previous year usually led up with the phrase, “Best of 2024.” These lists allow us to relive some of the brightest and shiniest moments of the previous year and dwell in them just a little bit longer. By directing our attention in this way, we are invited to reflect positively on what has happened in the preceding year when we might have otherwise been bogged down in the external noise of our daily stressors.
We at LCL invite you to do your own personal “best of” list for 2024. How did you show up for yourself in 2024? Did you connect with a friend for a walk and/or talk? Did you start a new positive behavior that you are just seeing signs of sticking? Did you partner up with a counselor or therapist to tackle a sticky situation that you’d previously ignored for years? Have you surprised yourself in doing something you didn’t want to do, but turned out to be fun? All events where you stepped out on your own behalf apply. Now give yourself credit for the doing.
We are quick to dwell on our own shortcomings and are sometimes completely blind to credit our efforts when we act on our own behalf. But there is magic in the noticing. We reinforce the behavior by taking time to credit our efforts and then notice how we feel as a result. So, we invite you to do just that. What highlights of 2024 will you dwell in just a little longer? Write them down, better yet, share them with someone else. And as your eyes look backward at 2024, remember yourself with compassion and pride.
Happy holidays from LCL. Please know that we are always here for you, for any difficulties you may be facing but also, to celebrate the wins alongside you.